There is no shortage of great views across Tuscany or panoramic spots from which to enjoy them; from the skyline of Florence seen from the tower of the Palazzo Vecchio to the view over the rolling hills and woods of the Crete Senesi as viewed from Monte Oliveto to the post-card perfect views over the famous Tuscan countryside taken in from the Podere Belvedere. Tuscany, with her endless vineyards, medieval hilltop towns, rolling green landscape, and stunning coastline, is just an impossibly scenic holiday destination, in general. Retaining lots of traditional charm, her towns themselves are also incredibly picturesque and wonderful places to wander aimlessly, soaking up the unique atmosphere and historic appeal of this lovely part of the world. If you have found a villa on the Tuscan Coast and are exploring the area, there is one particular spot that beautifully combines the region's scenic views and quaint old towns in a rather magical way: located in the coastal town of Piombino is the singular and utterly astounding Piazza Bovio.
Piombino, positioned on the border between the Ligurian Sea and the Tyrrhenian Sea and looking out onto Elba Island, has long been an important naval base and marina out of which lots of ferries and freight operate. However, there is more to the town than just her marina. Piombino also boasts a tiny but highly walkable and picturesque Old Town. Visible behind the lovely Town Hall in this Old Town is the view over the sea that opens up suddenly and is best viewed from the terrace of Piazza Bovio.
Overlooked by a 13th century castle and built on a picturesque rocky outcropping over the sea, Piazza Bovio boasts a wide balcony lined by trees and benches with a charming little lighthouse perched at the end that juts furthest out into the sea. Elegantly constructed, the piazza affords an amazing view out over Elba Island and, on clear days, one can even make out the islands of Montecristo, Giglio, Capraia, and Corsica and the promontory of Falcone from the terrace. Just beyond the terrace you can also see the old harbour, filled with the colourful little boats of local fishermen.
Named for Giovanni Bovio, a philosopher and political figure who was a member of the Parliament of the Kingdom of Italy, the piazza was formed in the 1920s after the demolishing of an ancient 12th century fortress with Etruscan foundations from which the city walls branched off. The Rocchetta lighthouse that stands on the end of the piazza takes the shape of a neo-medieval style tower. Located on the site where the Rocchetta di Piombino, the fortress that was demolished to make way for the piazza, once stood, it is a working lighthouse that is electric-powered and equipped with a 100 W LABI lamp that emits three white flashes every 15 seconds with a range of 11 nautical miles.
The Piazza Bovio surely boasts one of the most truly exceptional views over the Tuscan Coast and is one of the most utterly picturesque spots in the entire region where the best of natural and manmade creation comes together perfectly. If you have found a vacation rental on the Tuscan Coast and are spending time getting to know this part of Tuscany, then be sure to set aside some time to come and wander the pretty little Old Town of Piombino, browse her shops, admire the charming and typically Tuscan surroundings of the town, grab a bite to eat, and then come out to the amazing Piazza Bovio to take in that wonderful view, breathe in the sea air, and take a beat to just relax and enjoy this very beautiful part of the world.
Overlooked by a 13th century castle and built on a picturesque rocky outcropping over the sea, Piazza Bovio boasts a wide balcony lined by trees and benches with a charming little lighthouse perched at the end that juts furthest out into the sea. Elegantly constructed, the piazza affords an amazing view out over Elba Island and, on clear days, one can even make out the islands of Montecristo, Giglio, Capraia, and Corsica and the promontory of Falcone from the terrace. Just beyond the terrace you can also see the old harbour, filled with the colourful little boats of local fishermen.
Named for Giovanni Bovio, a philosopher and political figure who was a member of the Parliament of the Kingdom of Italy, the piazza was formed in the 1920s after the demolishing of an ancient 12th century fortress with Etruscan foundations from which the city walls branched off. The Rocchetta lighthouse that stands on the end of the piazza takes the shape of a neo-medieval style tower. Located on the site where the Rocchetta di Piombino, the fortress that was demolished to make way for the piazza, once stood, it is a working lighthouse that is electric-powered and equipped with a 100 W LABI lamp that emits three white flashes every 15 seconds with a range of 11 nautical miles.
The Piazza Bovio surely boasts one of the most truly exceptional views over the Tuscan Coast and is one of the most utterly picturesque spots in the entire region where the best of natural and manmade creation comes together perfectly. If you have found a vacation rental on the Tuscan Coast and are spending time getting to know this part of Tuscany, then be sure to set aside some time to come and wander the pretty little Old Town of Piombino, browse her shops, admire the charming and typically Tuscan surroundings of the town, grab a bite to eat, and then come out to the amazing Piazza Bovio to take in that wonderful view, breathe in the sea air, and take a beat to just relax and enjoy this very beautiful part of the world.
Photo credit: Costaetrusca / CC BY-SA 4.0